The Raiders' defensive coordinator holds high expectations for Chandler Jones in year two
Las Vegas’ defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has jubilant praise for Chandler Jones.
Speaking candidly, most within the Las Vegas Raiders organization would say that year one of the Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby defensive line pairings didn't go as expected.
However, throughout offseason team activities, Raiders defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham, has expressed near-jubilant excitement over the prospects of what those two can accomplish heading into year two.
"The sky is the limit with Chan," Graham said. "I'm just so proud of him because you've got to remember, I coached him as a rookie, and then Brendan Daly had him after that and then he went to Arizona and you just see the growth of a true technician, a true professional in terms of the way he can explain the game, the way he executes out there, the way he can see it and his leadership ability… He's a great player who's been doing it for a long time. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens."
Graham's praise is something that, for Jones, appears well deserved. He arrived at OTAs notably slimmer, according to recent reports.
"I started working out, lifting, and that's where I am," Jones said of his thinner stature. "I'm kind of just building muscle right now. So, you kind of just shed the leaves off the tree and then growing them back on.”
Outside of working out, this offseason, for Jones, is all about perfecting the nuts and bolts of his technique.
"Just perfecting my craft," he said, "anything I can do this better myself, tweak my craft."
At the core of Jones' excitement, and subsequently, Graham's excitement, is a love of football that he believes will carry him through the offseason and produce a productive 2023 campaign.
"Just loving football honestly," Jones said. "I still feel great. So, that's all. I love being here. I love OTAs. It's fun."
Jones is already building toward a bounce-back season after 2022's disappointment-filled slog.
Feature image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
